Doctoral Student in Microfabrication for metal processing - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The position is located at the Division of Production and Materials Engineering at the Department of Mechanical Engineering Sciences. At the division, we conduct research and education about material technology and production processes for modern manufacturing. Approximately 25 colleagues work at the division, including six PhD students and three postdoctoral researchers. Our premises are in the newly renovated M-building on LTH's campus in Lund. More information about the Division of Production and Materials Engineering can be found here: https://www.iprod.lth.se/english/

You will be part of the Material Synthesis and Characterization group. We are interested in new materials, new processes, and new approaches to achieve an understanding of fundamental dynamic processes for the next generation of manufacturing processes. This is done using state-of-the-art facilities such as LundNanoLab, MAX IV, and nCHREM. In addition to microfabrication (nanotechnology and semiconductor processes) in cleanrooms, we work with mechanical, electrochemical, and microscopic material characterization. For example, we use so-called "environmental" transmission electron microscopy (E-TEM) and synchrotron-based techniques, with which we examine the materials and processes during heating and chemical exposure that mimic their upcoming application area.

As a doctoral student, you will have the chance to conduct cutting-edge research in a high-profile research project financed by the European Research Council (ERC). The project aims to use microfabrication to treat and process engineering alloys. This is a completely new application area for such techniques, and you will thus be involved in shaping the future of metal treatment and addressing some of the most important global challenges, while acquiring interdisciplinary and industry-relevant training.

Project description

The goal of the project is to develop new concepts for processing and treating advanced alloys using microfabrication techniques. Particular focus will be placed on research regarding advanced steels that hold potential in upcoming green technologies for materials production and energy storage, such as steel production with hydrogen and the handling of molten salts, which involve extremely demanding environments from a corrosion perspective.

Applicants can choose between two focus areas:

1. Process Development
2. Studies of Mechanisms

In the focus area of Process Development, you will, for instance, work with Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) in an unconventional manner to develop new processes and thereby new solutions to several industrial challenges. This focus area involves hands-on work with microfabrication equipment in a cleanroom laboratory.

In the Studies of Mechanisms focus area, you will work with electron microscopy (such as Transmission Electron Microscopy, TEM) and Synchrotron-based techniques (for example, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, XPS) for real-time analyses of microfabrication processes. This to understand surface processes, diffusion, and phase transformations, which in turn enables model development of the processes.

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

As a doctoral student, you will – with the assistance of your supervisors – plan, design, and carry out experiments. We also appreciate if you participate in common tasks related to general institutional duties, seminars, knowledge transfer, and collaboration with industry, among other things."

Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant: 

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Mechanical Engineering Sciences if the applicant has: 

• at least 90 credits of relevance to the field, including at least 60 second-cycle credits, or
• a second-cycle degree in a relevant field.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• A degree in engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a closely related field.
• Solid theoretical knowledge in metallic materials.
• Good problem-solving skills and linguistic analysis ability.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following: 

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience. 

Other assessment criteria:

• Handling of electron microscopes (e.g., SEM)
• Experience in surface characterization (e.g., XPS)
• Experience in microfabrication (e.g., chemical vapour deposition or related technology)
• Experience in metal processing

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. 
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

Terms of employment 

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§. We intend to hire 1-2 PhD students.

How to Apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Welcome with your application!